Dundee United

Dundee United forward Kai Hutchinson, 16, is a target for Everton. (Record - subscription required), external

Saturday's Scottish gossip

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Former Hearts and Dundee United manager Robbie Neilson has joined Chinese Super League club Shenzhen Peng City as head coach after having "a wonderful time" as Lommel SK assistant.

Neilson joined Lommel last summer as assistant to ex-Hibs boss Lee Johnson and the pair led the club to promotion to Belgium's top flight.

Lommel are part of the City Football Group with Shenzhen Peng City and Manchester City among others.

"I have had a wonderful time in Lommel," Neilson told the Belgian side's website.

"The club and the city gave me a very warm welcome and made me feel at home from day one and I am extremely grateful to everyone for that."

Sporting director Jeffrey van As thanked Neilson and said: "Robbie's contract was due to expire and we had been in discussions with him about an extension.

"During those talks, he made it clear that he was keen to return to a head coaching role and he was given that opportunity by Shenzhen.

"Naturally, we are disappointed to see Robbie leave, but we also understand why he wants to take this opportunity."

Neilson, 45, has also managed Tampa Bay Rowdies and MK Dons and takes over a Shenzhen Peng City side ninth in the 2026 Chinese Super League. He replaces Chen Tao, who left last month.

Neilson is reunited with his former Hearts and Dundee United coaching colleague Gordon Forrest, who is assistant at Shenzhen Peng City.

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Goalkeeper Dave Richards has left Dundee United following the end of his contract.

The 32-year-old Welshman made 18 of his 22 United appearances last season and departs after a two-year spell at Tannadice.

Fellow goalkeeper Ashley Maynard-Brewer's exit was confirmed last month, with United subsequently signing Jack Walton on a three-year contract.

Ruairidh Adams, 21, is now the only other keeper at United.

"Dave will depart with our thanks and appreciation for the contribution he has made during his time at the club," said United.

Dundee United have rejected an offer worth £900,000 for Will Ferry, who has caught the eye of top clubs in Slovakia and the Czech Republic, and the Tannadice club are demanding a fee well into seven figures for the 25-year-old winger. (The Courier), external

Estoril sports director Helena Costa says they are still planning for next season with Ian Cathro as head coach but admits there is a lot of interest in the former Hearts and Dundee United boss. (The Herald), external

Read Tuesday's Scottish Gossip in full.

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Dundee United right-back Dario Naamo has missed out on Iraq's World Cup squad despite having switched his allegience from Finland only last month.

The 21-year-old, who joined United from St Polten last summer, had been called up to head coach Graham Arnold's 35-player provisional squad at their training camp in Spain.

But Naamo, who has made 21 appearances for United but only nine starts, was an unused substitute in Friday's 1-0 friendly win over Andorra and has not made the final squad of 26.

Born to a Finnish mother and a Kurdish father, Naamo grew up in the Espoo region, where he progressed through the youth academy of local club Honka.

He played at youth level up to under-21s for Finland but had his application to switch allegience approved by world governing body Fifa.

Iraq face Spain in a friendly on Friday before heading to the United States, where they take on Norway, France and Senegal in Group I.

Centre-back Charlie Dewar is desperate to pursue regular first-team football next season – whether at Dundee United or on loan elsewhere – after his spell with Alloa Athletic and with manager Jim Goodwin suggesting the 19-year-old is still not ready for regular first-team starts at Tannadice. (The Courier), external

Read Monday's Scottish Gossip in full.

Croatian winger Ivan Dolcek, 26, hints at interest in his services from elsewhere in Scotland after spending last season on loan at Dundee United from Dunajska Streda. (The Courier - subscription required), external

Luca Stephenson says his priority this summer is finding a "permanent home" after two seasons on loan to Dundee United and with the 22-year-old midfielder having a year left of his contract with Liverpool. (The Courier), external

Read Friday's Scottish Gossip in full.

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Dundee United have fended off "significant interest" from other clubs to sign Falkirk midfielder Dylan Tait.

Tait, 24, will move to Tannadice on a three-year contract this summer when his Falkirk deal expires.

He spent three-and-a-half years with the Bairns, helping them rise from League 1 to the Premiership, where they finished sixth this season.

He departs having made 104 Falkirk appearances, scoring 13 goals.

"Dylan is a player we've admired for a long time and somebody we believe is perfectly suited to the way we want to play," said United manager Jim Goodwin.

"There was significant interest in Dylan from elsewhere, so we're naturally delighted he's chosen Dundee United for the next stage of his career.

"He's technically excellent, progressive in possession and very comfortable receiving the ball in all areas of the pitch. His passing range and intelligence allow him to influence games in different ways, whether that's controlling the tempo or opening teams up in the final third.

"What's impressed us most is the consistency he's shown over a number of seasons.

"At 24, there's still significant room for development and we believe Dundee United is the perfect environment for him to continue progressing."

Tait is "hungry to keep improving", adding: "As soon as I heard about the interest from the club, it was something I was really excited about.

"Dundee United is a massive club with a rich history and of course such a passionate fanbase, so it was an opportunity I really wanted to take."

Dylan Tait has rejected offers from English clubs and a new contract offer from Falkirk, with the 24-year-old midfielder poised to sign a three-year deal with Dundee United. (The Courier), external

Read Thursday's Scottish football gossip

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Dundee United have been drawn in Group B for the League Cup group stage.

Jim Goodwin's side will face Arbroath, Montrose, Spartans and Stirling Albion when the tournament gets under way later this summer.

United were knocked out in the second round of last season's competition following a 2-1 defeat to Kilmarnock.

The first games of the group stage will take place on 11/12 July.

Read the draw in full here

Former Scotland forward Johnny Russell insists he has no intention of quitting football following the 36-year-old's release by Dundee United. (The Courier - subscription required), external

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Dundee United are clearly hoping to get their squad rebuilding done early, with a number of arrivals already confirmed.

By the sounds of it there will be plenty more too.

But one bit of business could well be the club's most important of the summer transfer window – the return of goalkeeper Jack Walton on a three-year deal from Preston.

Walton is no stranger to Tannadice having proved an assured figure between the sticks there while on loan previously.

Since he left last summer, the goalkeeping position has proved problematic for manager Jim Goodwin.

Yevhen Kucherenko, Dave Richards and Ashley Maynard-Brewer all had spells with the gloves during a frustrating campaign for United, who finished seventh.

Goodwin's side managed just seven clean sheets, the joint second worst in the league alongside neighbours Dundee.

Walton boasted 12 shutouts the season before.

The hope will be the Englishman's return on a permanent basis can restore more stability as United look to get back in the top six and European mix next season.

Midfielder Emmanuel Agyei, 21, made his senior international debut in Ghana's 2-0 defeat by Mexico and defender Dario Naamo, 21, could become the next Dundee United player to be capped, with Iraq facing Andorra on Friday. (Courier - subscription required), external

Saturday's Scottish gossip

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Goalkeeper Jack Walton has joined Dundee United on a three-year deal, returning to the club a year after his loan spell ended.

Walton, 28, was previously loaned to United by Luton Town from 2023 to 2025 and then joined Preston North End.

The Englishman made 85 appearances for the Tannadice club, who were in the Championship for the first of his two seasons and in the Premiership for the latter.

"Jack was exceptional for us across the two seasons he was here and bringing him back to the football club was something we were extremely keen to make happen," manager Jim Goodwin told United's website.

"His performances, consistency and leadership qualities made him one of the standout goalkeepers in the country during his time here previously."

And Walton said: "I'm absolutely delighted to be back. Dundee United is a club that means a lot to me and from the moment I left, I always hoped there would be an opportunity to return one day.

"As soon as I became aware of the opportunity to come back, it was something I really wanted to make happen."

Derby County have joined the race for Dundee United defender Will Ferry, but face competition from fellow Championship clubs Blackburn Rovers and Charlton Athletic. (Daily Record), external

Vicko Sevelj is pleased to have had his Dundee United contract extended by a year, but has left the door open for a longer-term deal at Tannadice. (Courier), external

Read the rest of Friday's Scottish gossip.

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

In our Dundee United fan's voice column, Tannadice diehard Ronny Costello described their campaign as being "a hard season to mark" and I couldn't have put it better myself.

There were a few highs and a few lows but in the eyes of some of the punters the campaign was a bit "meh" as they finished seventh - top of the bottom six.

While they were in no danger of getting sucked in to the relegation battle Jim Goodwin's side were confined to the Premiership's no man's land.

There are certainly issues Goodwin will need to address next season if they are to kick on and challenge for Europe, or at least cement their top six place.

A few basic stats highlight the task in hand.

This term United won just 10 of their 38 league games, just over a quarter, compared to 15 last season.

And while they scored more goals this term (49 compared to 45 in the 2024/25 season), they drew more games as well - 15 this season compared to eight last term.

That negative points swing has had a huge bearing on United's fortunes - the challenge now will be to try and get that pendulum swinging in the other direction once again.

It is going to be a summer of change at United, with Goodwin admitting business is likely to be brisk during the forthcoming transfer window, business which is well underway with a number of new faces already confirmed as coming in.

A turnaround of players is never a guarantee of a turnaround in fortunes but if the United boss can get them to gel quickly, then perhaps this time next year the Tannadice faithful will be thinking about looking out their passports.

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United fans, we asked for your views on Ross Graham and Vicko Sevelj's contract extensions as well as your thoughts on the players coming to the end of their deals and leaving Tannadice.

Here's what some of you had to say:

Sandy: Despite a few cameo appearances, all Arabs could see the vision and game management that Johnny Russell brought to the team. It's baffling that an agreement couldn't be made to keep him on as a player/coach. He would have been perfect foil for bringing on United's strikers, almost akin to the work done in the past by Gordon Wallace, Walter Smith et al in the 1970s and 80s.

Sean: Especially good news that Sevelj is staying, one of the best signings of recent years. Disappointed that Craig Sibbald is leaving (another good signing) and that we didn't see the best of Kristijan Trapanovski due to his injuries

Ewen: No surprises really in the list of released players. Great to see Ross and Vicko have their options triggered, hopefully deals can be agreed on substantial extensions for both . We need to be active in the market this summer as we cannot afford a repetition of the season just finished.

Frank: Happy that Sevelj and Graham are staying but sorry to see Amar Fatah and Luca Stephenson go. The rest won't be missed, particularly Max Watters who has been outstandingly anonymous all season.

Ross: On balance a good move although, like most of the squad, both players suffered from inconsistent form this season. We did Ross no favours making him captain in a young, inexperienced back three that leaked goals on a regular basis. Personally I thought Will Ferry did better when he stood in as captain. Vicko is a valuable utility player who hopefully can regain some of his confidence and composure on the ball next season

Kenny: United should keep centre half Krisztian Keresztes as he's been outstanding most times this season, its others who have let the team down.

Australia right-back Ryan Strain has interest from the A-League as the 29-year-old considers his future after being released by Dundee United at the end of an injury-hit season. (The Courier), external

Read Thursday's Scottish Gossip in full.

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Dundee United have triggered options to extend captain Ross Graham and midfielder Vicko Sevelj's contracts for a further 12 months, while Kristijan Trapanovski and Ryan Strain are among the departures.

Croatian Sevelj joined from NK Radomlje of Slovenia in 2024 and was named United's player of the year last term. The 25-year-old made 40 appearances this season.

Academy graduate Graham, 25, has made more than 100 appearances for the club. The defender returned from a four-month hamstring injury lay-off to play 24 times this season, netting three goals.

The pair will now stay at Tannadice until the end of next season, with United "remaining in dialogue with both players regarding longer-term extensions".

Australia defender Strain and North Macedonia winger Trapanovski exit after two seasons at Tannadice, while Craig Sibbald leaves to rejoin Falkirk.

United have offered Trapanovski "ongoing rehabilitation and medical support throughout the summer" as the 26-year-old recovers from knee surgery.

Also leaving Tannadice are Johnny Russell, Max Watters, Ashley Maynard-Brewer and Isaac Pappoe. Loan players Luca Stephenson, Amar Fatah, Krisztian Keresztes and Ivan Dolcek return to their parent clubs.

United fans, are you happy to see Graham and Sevelj stay for another year at least? Should any of the departing players have been kept on? Let us know your thoughts.

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Dundee United right-back Dario Naamo has been named in Iraq's provisional World Cup squad after having his request to switch allegiance from Finland approved by world governing body Fifa.

Born to a Finnish mother and a Kurdish father, he grew up in the Espoo region, where he progressed through the youth academy of local club Honka.

Naamo, who turned 21 last week, has played at youth level up to under-21s for Finland but makes the switch in time to be considered by head coach Graham Arnold for this summer's finals in the Americas.

The 35 players will enter a preparatory camp in Spain and will be reduced to 26 on 1 June before facing the Spanish in a friendly three days later.

Iraq then take on Norway, France and Senegal in Group I.

Naamo joined United from Austrian club St Polten last summer and has made 21 appearances, although only nine have been starts.

Ronny Costello
Fan writer

This was a hard season to mark.

There were enough good days to stop it being bad. Europe. Beating Celtic twice at Tannadice. Two derby wins.

But there were enough poor days to stop it being good.

The cup exits hurt. Kilmarnock became a problem United never solved, Motherwell exposed the same issues and away from home, too many games got away from us.

That is the story of the season. United could look sharp, brave and dangerous one week then flat, loose and vulnerable the next.

Forty-nine league goals scored is decent but failing to score in 12 league games is not. Sixty goals conceded tells its own story, you cannot build a top-six season on that.

Jim Goodwin deserves credit for the big results and for keeping real danger at arm's length but he will know this team should have done more.

Too many soft goals. Too many draws. Too many slow starts. Too many late goals. Too many missed chances to turn a decent season into a strong one.

Seventh place feels about right. Safe, but not satisfying. Respectable, but frustrating.

So was it consolidation, progress or a missed chance? Probably all three.

United stayed up. They gave us big moments but they also left plenty behind.

Next season has to be about balance. Play on the front foot, get fans off their seats with exciting football and for me, a change of formation.

Oh, and fix the defending.

Another summer rebuild is ahead of us and the small matter of Scotland in the World Cup...

Ronny Costello can be found at the Dode Fox Podcast, external

We asked for your thoughts after Dundee United ended their season with a 1-1 draw against St Mirren.

Here's what some of you had to say:

George: Drifted through the last few games and finished seventh, not good enough. Jim Goowin says he knows what went wrong but also says he is happy up front? What! With strikers who can't hit the net on a regular basis. There are problems all over and we are about to lose some of the better players I think. Another rebuild needed Jim, starting with a reliable goalkeeper and dominant centre half. If he can find a twenty goal a season striker as well we'll be top six next season. Be brave Jim and good luck.

Tam: Outplayed for the fourth game in a row to end a desperately poor season. It's not just finishing in the bottom six, it's the dreadful football we endure watching the manager's 3-4-3 formation which rarely works. Add to that young goalkeeper Ruairidh Adams once again not given a chance, whereas perpetual liability Keresztes is picked yet again, Goodwin must be blind to all his defensive blunders repeatedly costing us goals this season.

Eddie: Goodwin's time should be up. Really bored of his tactics and hopeless team selections. He never sets his team up to win, 15 draws speaks for itself.

Frank: I'm all for giving managers/head coaches time but when you look at United's squad and consider who has improved under Jim Goodwin? In my opinion not one player.